I took the boys to the beach, and David took the boys to Chicago. In March. Who got the better deal?

Even though I took the boys to different places, they both had similar experiences. Very early wake up calls to get to the airport for pre-dawn flights, getting to practice their Spanish from the moment we landed, check-in virgin daiquiris, lots of amazing food, beaches, pools, sleeping in, dress-up dinners with Mom, and lots of reading and relaxing.

Brennan's break was first and we headed to the Dominican Republic. I can't say enough about how great this trip was. I would highly recommend a DR trip. The resort was amazing.

Brennan loves, loves, loves the beach.

I let the boys choose dinner each night. Here we are enjoying the flamingos and traditional Dominican food.﻿

Neither of the boys wanted to do any excursions, they just wanted to rest and relax. This pool was fantastic.﻿

I loved the resort layout. Seriously, I would go back here in a heartbeat.

Thomas and I went to Cancun!

We had a great time despite the fact that someone accidentally took my bag from the airport. Southwest took care of me though and I got it back the next day. It gave us a chance to do some shopping!

Thomas is a little quieter than Brennan in new situations so he hung with me a little more. But I didn't complain! We spent a lot of time exploring the resort, the beach, and walking the strip. It has changed a lot since David and I were there in 1999.

Our last night in Cancun. We had dinner at a Japanese/French fusion restaurant. It was terrific!﻿

David took the boys to Chicago for 2 days each. They relaxed in the city and visited two museums each. We love how close Chicago is (less than 4 hours) and we love their museums.

In addition to Science & Industry, Thomas chose the Field Museum of Natural History. He's always loved Natural History museums the best. They all had a great time on their trips with Dad.

When not vacationing with my sons or walking a lot to prepare for the half-marathon, I had other activities in March.

I attended four!! 40th birthday parties.

Toyi's was so well decorated - this is just one of the many tables of food.

Kari, Poonam, and me.﻿

The Visitor's Center hosted the very awesome Tony Costello, architect, professor, and friend of Columbus. He did a class on Napkin Sketches, for which he is well-known. I got to try my hand and I have to say, I wasn't that bad!! I didn't win a Tony Award though :)﻿

Our wine club went to Taku for dinner where we got to try the sake :)﻿

Once a month a group from the community has Chaos I by Jean Tinguely running. I had to take the boys to see the kinetic sculpture running. We love this sculpture in the Commons!﻿

And of course, I find a ton of Bailey pictures to share with you!

This is "why does this family get up so early?"﻿

This is "yes I'll go with you to pick up Brennan, but I'm exhausted and will have to sleep on the way."﻿

This is "Dad, I like your new car."

Dad probably said, "Great, now get out."﻿

This is how he fell asleep on Thomas's lap.﻿

And here he is with his BFF Abbie during one of their afternoon playdates.﻿